Speaking with his Moldovan counterpart, the President expressed his support for the country’s European direction

The President said that the country has made great progress in implementing reforms and recommendations of the European Commission, but, according to him, it is necessary to continue to make every effort to achieve progress, as the speed and success of the country’s European integration will depend on it.

“Next week’s European Council meeting is extremely important for the future of both Moldova and Ukraine’s European integration. It is necessary to reach a consensus of the EU leaders on the start of negotiations for the accession of these countries to the EU without any additional conditions. This is a decision of geopolitical significance, important for the whole of Europe. We need to demonstrate political will and move towards a bigger and stronger EU,” said the head of the country.

According to the president, it is especially important for Moldova to demonstrate progress in reforming the justice system, fighting corruption and oligarchs. The President emphasized that Lithuania is ready to continue sharing experience in order to help Moldova strengthen the necessary capabilities on the European integration path.

In November, the European Commission recommended that EU members start formal membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and offered to grant Sakartveli candidate status.

Next week, a meeting of EU leaders will be held in Brussels, during which it should be announced whether the bloc will start negotiations on the accession of new members.